Current Projects

USA
Pavilion

Overview

Auroville's International
Zone will be a humming center of activity. Pavilions
of each nation will conduct research on different aspects
of the nation in light of the evolution of consciousness.
Cultural and educational activities of the pavilion will
express the results of these studies.

So far the Indian
Pavilion (Bharat Nivas), Tibetan
Pavilion, and Unity
Pavilion, which will accommodate all those countries
that are not yet ready to start their pavilions, are
near completion. Several other pavilions, such as the German
Pavilion and Italian Pavilion, soon plan to begin
construction.

The USA has been exploring ways to represent
the national soul of the USA for years. Two main themes
that emerged from these discussions included youthful
energy, and sustainable eco-building. In 2001 enough
money was raised to actually begin construction of an
off-the-grid student dormitory. These funds, together
with an offer of collaboration from the Design-Build
Program at the University of Washington enabled AVIUSA
to begin construction of a Student Dormitory as the first
phase of the US Pavilion.

The team of 42 students and faculty
arrived in Auroville in early January 2001, and started
construction on the Student Guest House. With great enthusiasm
and energy, they laid the foundation, built the walls and
planted the garden (see
pictures).

The US Student Dormitory is nearing
completion. It is one of the most eco-friendly buildings
in Auroville, with five main elements of sustainability:
use of compressed earth bricks and ferro cement, use of
solar power, water harvesting, a gray water system, and
composting toilets. As far as youthfulness, the Dormitory
hosts university groups from the USA that are studying
in Auroville.

The second phase of the building,
which will include a kitchen, dining hall, and caretaker
unit, is currently in its design phase.